Canine Echinococcosis Research Articles

Presence of Echinococcus granulosussensulato in the endoparasitic fauna of feral dogs in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The feral dog population from Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) has affected provincial sheep production, and is responsible for the decrease of 43% of the sheep stock. In addition, feral dogs preys on the native fauna, especially the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a species protected by law. Except for some data on the aforementioned impact, very little is known about feral dogs features in this region, such as distribution, abundance, diet, reproduction, health status, among others. Therefore, a descriptive observational study was carried out in the period 2018-2021 in Tierra del Fuego, with the aim to recognize the endoparasitic fauna of these dogs, with emphasis on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Feces samples were collected from 83 feral dogs captured in 15 farms, which were evaluated using flotation and sedimentation coproparasitological techniques, and optical microscope observation. These qualitative methods showed that 66.3% of the samples were positive. Nine parasitic forms were found, including eggs of taenids, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, and Sarcocystis spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts. Samples with more than one parasitic form were also observed, among which the Taenia/Sarcocystis spp. association was the most frequent. For the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis, the detection of Echinococcus spp. antigens by Copro-ELISA and the molecular confirmation by Copro-PCR were performed. The Copro-ELISA test was positive in 10/80 (12.5%) of the samples processed, while 11 samples (13.8%) were positive by Copro-PCR. Their distribution showed that 9 (81.8%) corresponded to farms with sheep farming, and 2 (18.2%) with cattle farming. The presence of E. granulosus s.l. in feral dogs from Tierra del Fuego is the most relevant finding in this study. These results confirm that feral dogs have access to viscera infected with hydatid cysts. However, the intermediate hosts involved (sheep, cattle or guanacos) should be investigated. Its impact on the transmission of cystic echinococcosis in this region should be evaluated, as well as the adequacy of the disease prevention and control actions implemented in Tierra del Fuego should be considered. Finally, the existence of a wild cycle of the disease should be evaluated, in which feral dogs would act as a source of infection for other animals and humans.

Canine Alveolar Echinococcosis: An Emerging and Costly Introduced Problem in North America

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis, is emerging in both dogs and people in North America. Here, we review 27 cases of canine AE opportunistically reported since the index case was described in 2009 in Western Canada. We describe clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and source of canine infection, based on genetics of the parasite isolated from some canine cases. Diagnosis of AE was by histopathology and/or PCR on DNA extracted from metacestodes. The median age of dogs at diagnosis was 4 years (range 1–12), which is low compared to neoplasia, the most common differential diagnosis. There was no sex predilection and different breeds were involved, but there were a disproportionate number of boxers and beagles relative to their representation in the general canine population. The most common potential risk factors included contact with wildlife and visits to off leash areas. Abdominal distension was the most common clinical sign at presentation, and medical imaging generally revealed an abdominal mass. On histopathology, protoscoleces were observed in 7 out of 14 dogs. In 7 cases, DNA sequences were most similar to European (versus North American) haplotypes, identical to those recently reported in coyotes as definitive hosts in North America, and different between eastern and western North America, implying multiple introduction events. Dogs that were not treated (n = 6) had 16% survival in the first 100 days in comparison with 82% survival of treated dogs (n = 11). Direct costs to the owner of treating canine AE ranged from 1,317 to 12,655 CAD depending on the situation at the onset of treatment. This study provides important clinical, epidemiological, and economic information for veterinary practitioners and regulators for importation of dogs, and for public health, as dogs with AE may serve as indicators of parasite range expansion and risk to humans.

Results and epidemiological impact of the directly observed antiparasitic treatment for canine echinococcosis

Results and epidemiological impact of the directly observed antiparasitic treatment for canine echinococcosis

Increased prevalence of canine echinococcosis a decade after the discontinuation of a governmental deworming program in Tierra del Fuego, Southern Chile.

Hydatid disease is a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease caused by cysts of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Canids, especially domestic dogs, are definitive hosts of the parasite and are the most pragmatic targets for control programs. A governmental dog deworming campaign was established in 1979 to control hydatidosis in southern Chile, which succeeded in reducing the prevalence of canine echinococcosis in Tierra del Fuego province from 68.4% (in 1978) to 1.2% (in 2002). In 2004, however, the program was dismantled to reduce costs, and since then, no follow-up echinococcosis monitoring has been conducted. We surveyed 356 domestic dogs and interviewed owners or workers at 45 ranches in Chilean Tierra del Fuego during the summer of 2015-2016. Faecal flotation was employed to detect Taeniidae eggs, and PCR was used to test faecal samples for Echinococcus granulosus. Taeniidae eggs and Echinococcus sp. DNA were detected in the faeces of 45.4% (147/324) and 6.9% (23/331) of dogs, respectively. Infrequent dog deworming and the presence of culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) were significant predictors of the prevalence of Echinococcus sp. DNA and Taeniidae eggs. Furthermore, the presence of introduced chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus), the municipality, and several operational characteristics of ranches (number of sheep, frequency of sheep slaughter, number of dogs, frequency of removal of dog faeces, feeding of dogs with sheep viscera) were also predictive of the prevalence of Taeniidae eggs. Our findings reveal an ongoing risk of echinococcosis with pathogen maintenance in ranch dogs in Chilean Tierra del Fuego, and in the absence of adequate control programmes, there is a tangible risk of re-emergence of hydatid disease as a public health concern.

Global distribution of Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in domestic and wild canids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the genotypic distribution of canine echinococcosis worldwide. Studies published from the inception until 21 May 2021 were screened, relevant articles were selected and the random-effect model was used to draw forest plots with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Totally, 44 articles were included, mostly examined dogs (37 records), followed by wolf (8 records), jackal (7 records), fox (3 records), pump fox (3 records) and coyote (1 record). Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3) and G6/7 cluster of Echinococcus canadensis were the most common genotypes among canids. Most studies were conducted in Asia and Europe with 17 and 15 datasets, respectively. Exclusively, Iran possessed the highest number of studies (10 records). Meta-analysis showed that the pooled molecular prevalence of echinococcosis was 33.82% (95% CI 24.50–43.83%). Also, the highest and lowest prevalence of canine echinococcosis was calculated for South America (66.03%; 95% CI 25.67–95.85%) and Europe (19.01%; 95% CI 9.95–30.16%). Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the global prevalence of echinococcosis in canines and publication year, continent, country, sample type, host and molecular test. These findings will elevate our knowledge on the poorly known canine echinococcosis worldwide.

Echinococcosis of dogs in the North Caucasian Subjects (infrastructural, epizootological and sanitary-hygienic analysis)

Based on the official statistics the situation of parasitic diseases in the Russian Federation is still quite unfavorable. The issues of soil contamination with Echinococcus granulosus eggs are understudied that’s why the objective of the research was to study canine echinococcosis which poses a threat to animal and human disease freedom in the North Caucasian countries. Helminthological tests of the guardian dog feces were performed in seven North Caucasian Subjects: the Stavropol Krai, the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, Republic of North Ossetia −Alania, Republic of Ingushetia, the Chechen Republic, and the Republic of Dagestan. As a result, it was determined that the average frequency index of echinococcosis occurrence was 85.07%. The moderate fecal egg count in 1,400 samples was 22.73 ± 1.49 eggs per 10 grams of dog feces. The data obtained are indicative of the disease unfavourable situation in the Subjects and the zoonosis spread at the regional level. Helminthological tests of 14,000 soil samples from near-village pastures for contamination with tapeworm eggs, including Echinococcus granulosus, showed that the invasion rate in the Stavropol Krai was 65.80%, in Karachay-Cherkessia republic − 79.00%, in Kabardino-Balkaria − 82.60%, in North Ossetia − Alania − 74.65%, in Ingushetia − 88.20%, in Chechnya − 83.75%, in Dagestan − 79.85%. The results obtained testify to the high level of soil contamination with the infective eggs. It was demonstrated that there is a relationship between the distribution of viable Echinococcus granulosus eggs in pasture soils and ecological characteristics of the Subject: the largest number of viable Echinococcus granulosus eggs was observed in submountain areas, fewer eggs were observed in flatlands, and the least number of eggs – in the mountain areas. The number of eggs detected in the soil samples from pastures is indicative of the disease persistence in humans and animals. Results of the helminthological tests of 7,500 soil samples from 119 cattle-driving routes of the North Caucasus demonstrate 100% contamination with parasitic agents which poses a threat of epidemiological and epizootological situation of echinococcosis in the Subject.

Molecular Detection of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto in Environmental Dog Faecal Samples from the Magallanes Region, Patagonia, Chile

Echinococcus granulosus is endemic in the Magallanes region and other areas of Chile. After a successful control programme implemented between 1979 and 2004, dogs’ prevalence decreased from 70% to 0.5%. Since the end of the programme, no prevalence study of canine echinococcosis has been performed in this region. Dog faecal samples were collected from epidemiological units for DNA isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect E. granulosus. In addition, dog owners were required to answer a questionnaire for a risk factor analysis. We collected 1069 environmental dog faecal samples from 267 urban, 241 periurban, and 61 rural epidemiological units. E. granulosus was found in 11/61 (18%) and 1/241 (0.4%) epidemiological units from rural and periurban areas, respectively. The Ultima Esperanza province showed the highest prevalence with eight out of 16 units with faeces positive to E. granulosus showing a main spatial cluster of canine echinococcosis. None of the risk factors investigated showed a statistical significance with positive units. This study shows the active transmission of the parasite in the Magallanes region, especially in the Ultima Esperanza province, with a possible re-emergence of the parasite. Further studies focusing on the incidence in humans are required together with the reestablishment of the compulsory deworming of dogs.

Meta-analysis of the prevalence of Echinococcus in dogs in China from 2010 to 2019.

BackgroundEchinococcosis (canine Echinococcus disease) is a neglected tropical disease that causes serious public harm. Dogs, as a terminal host of Echinococcus spp., are a key part of the Echinococcus epidemic. Echinococcosis spreads easily in humans and animals in some areas of China and it is therefore necessary to fully understand the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in dogs.Methodology/Principal findingsPubMed, ScienceDirect, Chongqing VIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang databases were searched for relevant articles published in the past 10 years. A final total of 108 studies were included. The overall prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in dogs in China was 7.3%, with the highest point estimate found in sampling year 2015 (8.2%) and publication year 2015 (16.5%). Northwestern China (7.9%) had the highest infection rate in China. Qinghai Province (13.5%) showed the highest prevalence among the 11 provinces we included. We also found that geographical and climatic factors are related to the incidence of canine echinococcosis. We further investigated the source of heterogeneity by analysis of subgroups (sampling district, detection method, dog type, season, parasite species, medication, and study quality level).Conclusions/SignificanceOur research indicated that Echinococcus spp. were still prevalent in some areas in China. More localized prevention and control policies should be formulated, including improving drinking water hygiene and strengthening hygiene promotion. We recommend the rational use of anti-Echinococcus drugs. In addition, treatment of livestock offal and feces and improving the welfare of stray dogs may play an important role in reducing canine Echinococcus infections.

A global assessment of Echinococcus multilocularis infections in domestic dogs: proposing a framework to overcome past methodological heterogeneity

Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of human Alveolar Echinococcosis, is transmitted between small mammals and wild or domestic canids. Dogs infected with E. multilocularis as dead-end hosts. Whereas E. multilocularis infections in wild hosts and humans have been well-studied in recent decades, infections in domestic dogs are sparsely reported. This literature review and meta-analysis highlighted gaps in the available data and provided a re-assessment of the global distribution of domestic dog E. multilocularis infections. We found 46 published articles documenting the prevalence of E. multilocularis in domestic dogs from 21 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Apparent prevalence estimates ranged from 0.00% (0.00–0.33%) in Germany to 55.50% (26.67–81.12%) in China. Most studies were conducted in areas of high human Alveolar Echinococcosis. By accounting for reassessed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, we estimated true prevalence in a subset of studies, which varied between 0.00% (0.00–12.42%) and 41.09% (21.12–65.81%), as these true prevalence estimates were seldom reported in the articles themselves. Articles also showed a heavy emphasis on rural dogs, dismissing urban ones, which is concerning due to the role urbanisation plays in the transmission of zoonotic diseases, especially those utilising pets as definitive hosts. Lastly, population studies on canine Alveolar Echinococcosis were absent, highlighting the relative focus on human rather than animal health. We thus developed a framework for investigating domestic dog E. multilocularis infections and performing risk assessment of dog-associated transmission to fill the gaps found in the literature.

Spatial distribution of canine echinococcosis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2018

To investigate the distribution and changing trend of canine echinococcosis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide the scientific evidence for prevention and control of canine echinococcosis in high-risk areas of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. All data pertaining to Echinococcus infections in canine feces and sampling survey of human echinococcosis were collected from the echinococcosis-endemic foci of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2018, and the prevalence of Echinococcus infections was investigated in dogs and humans. In addition, the spatial distribution characteristics and clusters of canine echinococcoses were identified. A total of 164 139 canine fecal samples were detected in the echinococcosis-endemic foci of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2018, and there were 2 136 fecal samples positive for Echinococcus coproantigens. The positive rates of Echinococcus coproantigens were 0.54% to 1.73% in dogs from 2012 to 2018, with a tendency towards a decline seen in the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in dogs (χ2 = 108.83, P < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in the positive rate of Echinococcus coproantigens in dogs among years (χ2 = 155.27, P < 0.01). Three-dimensional trend analysis showed that canine echinococcosis was mainly concentrated in east of central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and a high prevalence was detected in New Barag Right Banner and Sonid Right Banner. The global spatial distribution of canine echinococcosis appeared a random pattern in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2018 (Moran's I > 0, P > 0.05), and there were "high-high" and "high-low" clusters of canine echinococcosis in local areas. The prevalence of human echinococcosis was 0.08%, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence among regions (χ2 = 147.61, P < 0.01), with a high prevalence seen in West Ujimqin Banner, Jarud Banner and New Barag Right Banner. In addition, the prevalence of human echinococcosis correlated positively with the Echinococcus coproantigen-positive rate in dogs (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). The prevalence of Echinococcus infections shows an overall tendency towards a decline in dogs in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2018, with a high prevalence found in New Barag Right Banner and Sonid Right Banner. Human echinococcosis is concentrated in clusters of canine echinococcosis, where health education and targeted control interventions requires to be intensified.

Intestinal Expression of miR-130b, miR-410b, and miR-98a in Experimental Canine Echinococcosis by Stem-Loop RT-qPCR

Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic cestode dwelling in the small intestine of canid definitive hosts. Intermediate hosts are a wide range of domestic and wild ungulates. Human infection with the larval stage causes cystic echinococcosis. Understanding the nature and extent of molecular mechanisms involved in host–parasite interactions helps to answer some very basic questions in the biology of cestode parasites with significant implications in the management and control of cystic echinococcosis. Little is known on the miRNAs expression in the intestinal tissues of dogs infected with E. granulosus. In the present study, expression of a selected profile of miRNAs was evaluated in experimental canine echinococcosis. MiRNAs were extracted from 20 different parts of small intestinal tract of two sibling 3-months-old mix-breed dogs. Complementary DNA was specifically synthesized using an optimized stem-loop system. Intestinal expression of four miRNAs (cfa-let7g, cfa-miR-98, cfamiR-410, cfa-miR-130b) was evaluated using RT-qPCR. The results of the study indicate a significant difference between test and control dogs in cfamiR-130b, cfa-miR-98, and cfa-miR-410 (P ≤ 0.05); however, there was no significant difference for cfa-let7g. The most upregulated miRNAs were cfamiR-130b and cfa-miR-98. An increasing trend for cfa-let7g and a declining trend for cfa-miR-98, cfa-miR-410, and cfamiR-130b were found toward the distal segments of the small intestine. Our study revealed that cfa-miR-98, cfa-miR-410, and cfamiR-130b are involved in the definitive host response in canine echinococcosis. The study provides new information on the molecular basis of interactions between E. granulosus and dogs in terms of miRNA expression and showed that E. granulosus infection could increase the expression of some pro-inflammatory miRNAs at the cellular level in the definitive host.

The effects of dog management on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in villages on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, China

BackgroundThe pastoral area of the eastern Tibetan Plateau is highly endemic for human echinococcosis. Domestic dogs are the main definitive host for the transmission of both Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) and E. multilocularis to humans. To control the infection risks, a national-level canine echinococcosis prevention and control programme has been implemented since 2015 in Shiqu County, Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. The objective of this study was to evaluate its effect on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in dogs.MethodsWe surveyed 69 households with 84 owned dogs, for dog fecal samples and dog keeping information in the villages of Rizha and Eduoma. A total of 105 dog fecal samples (75 from owned dogs and 30 unknown dog fecal samples) were collected between 2015–2017 to determine Echinococcus spp. prevalence using copro-PCR. Eight variables based on household surveys were included into a logistic regression model for significant risk factors to canine echinococcosis prevalence in dogs.ResultsBetween 2015–2017, the overall Echinococcus spp. copro-DNA prevalence decreased significantly in dogs from 51.2% (2015) to 20.0% (2017) in Rizha, and insignificantly from 11.5% (2016) to 4.3% (2017) in Eduoma. Echinococcus multilocularis was the most prevalent species continually copro-DNA detected during the entire study period, while E. granulosus was rare and not detected in 2017. Echinococcus shiquicus copro-DNA prevalence (a probable non-zoonotic wildlife species) was as high in dogs as that of E. multilocularis, although only detected in 2015 in Rizha. Unleashed dog feces were mainly collected in Rizha in 2015. Although 93.2% of owned dogs were leashed, and the monthly praziquantel dosing rate reached 97%, E. multilocularis infection could still be detected in 11.1% of owned dogs in 2017. Monthly deworming, leashing dogs 24 h per day, and the avoidance of dogs feeding on livestock viscera were significant measures to prevent canine echinococcosis infection in owned dogs.ConclusionsCarrying out a canine echinococcosis prevention and control programme can significantly decrease Echinococcus spp. prevalence. The potential contact between leashed dogs and wild small mammals is still a risk for re-infection of owned dogs with E. multilocularis. This study shows that the long-term application of regular dog treatment with praziquantel in the vast and remote echinococcosis endemic areas of the eastern Tibetan Plateau can reduce transmission in dogs but remains a challenging intervention.

First inter-laboratory comparison of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato diagnosis in Latin America.

ABSTRACTObjective.To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.Methods.National laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 – November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient.Results.Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa > 0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detecting E. granulosus in canine feces was demonstrated in this study. An ex-post comparison of the laboratories’ test protocols showed substantial heterogeneity that could partially explain poor concordance of results.Conclusion.The results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.

Control of cystic echinococcosis: Background and prospects.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a chronic and debilitating zoonotic larval cestode infection in humans, which is principally transmitted between dogs and domestic livestock, particularly sheep. Human CE occurs in almost all pastoral communities and rangeland areas of the underdeveloped and developed world. Control programmes against CE have been implemented in several endemic countries to reduce or eliminate the disease. New Zealand and Tasmania are examples of some of the first programmes to be undertaken (in insular territories) and which were very successful in the elimination of CE. The advent and proven effectiveness of praziquantel, plus the experience of insular models, produced high expectations for rapid advances in a second generation of control programmes undertaken in continental areas (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile). Nevertheless, only moderate gains in CE control have been made and the impact on prevalence among humans has been slight. A major impediment to the adoption of procedures that were successful in New Zealand and Tasmania has been the requirement to administer praziquantel to dogs in rural areas eight times per year over numerous years. In addition, there have been clear technological improvements made in the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis for surveillance, the genetic characterization of parasite strains and in vaccination against CE infection in livestock. In order to establish new paradigms and appropriate combinations of control strategies, we have carried out a review and discussion of the available control tools and control models. Control strategies must be suitable and sustainable to benefit the Echinococcosis-endemic areas primarily, which at the same time are the poorest regions of the world.

Development and Validation of a Copro-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Sandwich for Detection of Echinococcus granulosus-Soluble Membrane Antigens in Dogs.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Detection of the adult stage in the canine definitive host is essential for estimating infection rates, surveillance and monitoring of CE control programs. This study sought to develop and validate a coproantigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (copro-ELISA), based on antibodies against E. granulosus-soluble membrane antigens (EGMA), that is capable of distinguishing infected and noninfected dogs. Anti-E. granulosus polyclonal immunoglobulin G antibodies were obtained from rabbit antiserum against EGMA. Optimization of the test was performed with 51 positive and 56 negative stool samples of canine echinococcosis. Specificity, sensitivity, cross-reactivity, intra- and inter-assay precision, and over time detection were evaluated. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 96.1% (CI: 85.9-99.6) and 98.2% (CI: 89.5-100), respectively. Negative and positive predictive values were 96.5% (CI: 91.7-100) and 98% (CI: 94.1-100), respectively. No cross-reactivity with Taenia hydatigena, Dipylidium caninum, or Toxocara canis was observed. Intra- and inter-assay repeatability showed values of less than 15% of the variation coefficient. The over time detection was from 20 to 27 days postinfection with E. granulosus. The copro-ELISA based on EGMA detection offers a simplified in-house development of diagnostic testing. This assay showed high specificity and sensitivity and had no cross-reactivity with other parasites. Further studies and development of this test in a kit format may be useful for the detection of active infection in dogs living in CE endemic regions.

Canine echinococcosis screening in foxhound hunts in England and Wales using coproantigen ELISA and coproPCR

Abstract A total of eight foxhound packs in England and Wales were screened for Echinococcus species using a genus-specific coproantigen ELISA and for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Echinococcus equinus by coproPCR. Main screening (n = 364 hounds) occurred during 2010–2011 wherein a quarter (25.6%) of the foxhound fecal samples tested were Echinococcus coproantigen-positive (93/364). In total, five of eight (62.5%) hunts screened had coproantigen-positive hounds; coproantigen prevalence for individual foxhound packs ranged from 0 to 61.2% and was shown to be &gt;30% in three hunts (in counties of Powys, Wales and Northumberland, England). Foxhound fecal samples from six of the eight tested hunts (four Welsh and two English hunts) were positive by coproPCR for E. granulosus s.l (including one sequence confirmation of E. granulosus sensu stricto) and E. equinus DNA. Analysis of hunt questionnaire data suggested that there was an association between poor foxhound husbandry, especially feeding practices and Echinococcus coproantigen prevalence. Clearer guidelines regarding the risk of canine echinococcosis are required for safe management of foxhound hunts in England and Wales.

Dogs as victims of their own worms: Serodiagnosis of canine alveolar echinococcosis

BackgroundBesides acting as definitive hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, dogs can become infected by the larval form of this parasite and thereby develop life-threatening alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Although AE is a zoonotic disease, most therapeutic and diagnostic approaches have been developed for human patients. In dogs, AE is typically diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease when the parasitic mass has already caused abdominal distension. At that stage, complete resection of the parasitic mass is often impossible, leaving a guarded prognosis for the affected dogs. For humans, sensitive and specific diagnostic protocols relying on serology have been validated and are now widely used. In contrast, sensitive and specific laboratory diagnostic tools that would enable early diagnosis of canine AE are still lacking. The aim of the current study was to establish a serological protocol specifically adapted to dogs.MethodsWe tested several native and recombinant antigens (EmVF, Em2, recEm95, recEm18) in in-house ELISA, an in-house Western blot (WB), as well as a commercially available WB developed for serodiagnosing human AE (Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-WB®), using a panel of known status dog sera.ResultsRecEm95-antigen was revealed to be the most promising antigen for use in ELISA, demonstrating 100% (95% CI: 72–100%) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI: 93–100%) specificity in our study. The in-house WB using EmVF antigen performed as well as the recEm95-ELISA. The commercial WB also correctly identified all infected dogs, coupled with a specificity of 98% (95% CI: 91–100%).ConclusionThe recEm95-ELISA alone or in combination with either the in-house WB or the Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-WB® (IgG) with a minor modification should be considered as the best current approach for the serological diagnosis of dogs infected with the larval stage of E. multilocularis. However, larger studies with a focus on potentially cross-reacting sera should be undertaken to verify these findings.

Evaluation of the impact of 2 years of a dosing intervention on canine echinococcosis in the Alay Valley, Kyrgyzstan.

Echinococcosis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease in Kyrgyzstan. In 2012, an echinococcosis control scheme was started that included dosing owned dogs in the Alay Valley, Kyrgyzstan with praziquantel. Control programmes require large investments of money and resources; as such it is important to evaluate how well these are meeting their targets. However, problems associated with echinococcosis control schemes include remoteness and semi-nomadic customs of affected communities, and lack of resources. These same problems apply to control scheme evaluations, and quick and easy assessment tools are highly desirable. Lot quality assurance sampling was used to assess the impact of approximately 2 years of echinococcosis control in the Alay valley. A pre-intervention coproELISA prevalence was established, and a 75% threshold for dosing compliance was set based on previous studies. Ten communities were visited in 2013 and 2014, with 18-21 dogs sampled per community, and questionnaires administered to dog owners. After 21 months of control efforts, 8/10 communities showed evidence of reaching the 75% praziquantel dosing target, although only 3/10 showed evidence of a reduction in coproELISA prevalence. This is understandable, since years of sustained control are required to effectively control echinococcosis, and efforts in the Alay valley should be and are being continued.

Molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus strain in stray dogs from Northeastern Iran.

Canine echinococcosis, caused by the adult form of taeniid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus is zoonotic and has an epidemiologically worldwide distribution. Dogs infected with E. granulosus are the main source of human hydatidosis, however, there is little information on molecular epidemiology of adult Echinococcus spp. in stray dogs. In the present study, 100 stray dogs (48 males and 52 females, 72 adults and 28 juveniles) were collected from Khorasan Razavi province in Northeastern Iran during October 2013 to December 2014. Thirty-eight (21 males and 17 females, 3 juveniles and 35 adults) out of 100 dogs were infected with E. granulosus. There were no significant differences in prevalence observed between females (43.5%) and males (34.4%), however, the prevalence of E. granulosus, showed a significant increasing trend with increasing host age (p<0.05). Thirty-eight isolated parasites from 38 stray dogs (one parasite per dog) were used for PCR-RFLP analysis of the ITS1 gene. PCR-RFLP analysis showed that all the 38 parasites were E. granulosus G1 genotype (common sheep strain). Five PCR products were sent for sequencing. The results of sequencing were similar to those reported by PCR-RFLP analysis and the presence of E. granulosus G1 genotype (sheep strain) as dominant genotype in dogs were emphasized. The results of this study suggest that the sheep strain occurs in definitive host in Northeastern Iran. Data presented here are expected to be useful for health and educational authorities responsible for designing and implementing effective measures for disease control.

Copro-PCR prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs in Kerman, south-eastern Iran.

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of taeniid parasites and the specific detection of Echinococcus granulosus using copro-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in the stray dogs of Kerman, south-eastern Iran. From September 2013 to May 2014, faecal samples of stray dogs were collected from different parts of the city of Kerman and its suburbs. Faecal samples from dogs were collected randomly within 24 h of defecation. All samples were transferred to the research lab and coprological examinations were conducted by the formalin-ether concentration method. In the microscopically positive samples, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) specific primers were used to determine the taeniid identity of the infection. In addition, another set of primers was used for the specific diagnosis of E. granulosus sensu lato. In total, 307 faecal samples from stray dogs were examined for the presence of the parasites. Taeniidae eggs were detected in 34 dogs (11.07%). All 34 taeniid-positive specimens were PCR positive for cox1 (444 bp). Of all taeniid-positive specimens, 21 samples (6.8% of all dog specimens) were positive according to primers specific for E. granulosus. The findings of the present study revealed that canine echinococcosis is prevalent in the stray dogs in Kerman. The findings of the present study have important implications for hydatid control programmes in the area.